Shop Floor Lead

Job Description

Job Description

As the Shop Floor Lead, you'll serve as the connection between management and production teams, ensuring work is properly assigned, materials are available, deadlines are met, and employees have the support they need to succeed.

This is not a desk job. We're looking for a leader who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves, work alongside the team when necessary, solve problems quickly, and take ownership of production results.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Leadership

• Oversee daily shop floor operations and production activities
• Assign work and prioritize tasks based on production schedules and project deadlines
• Monitor workflow, productivity, and project progress
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, staffing concerns, and material shortages
• Ensure projects are completed safely, accurately, and on schedule
• Support production teams as needed to maintain workflow and meet deadlines

Team Leadership

• Lead and motivate shop personnel through daily direction and coaching
• Conduct toolbox talks, team meetings, and daily production briefings
• Monitor employee performance, attendance, and productivity
• Train new team members on processes, equipment, and safety procedures
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Construction & Fabrication Oversight

• Coordinate fabrication, assembly, and production activities
• Review drawings, specifications, and project requirements
• Ensure quality workmanship and adherence to project standards
• Work closely with Project Management and other departments to support project execution
• Assist in troubleshooting production and fabrication challenges

Safety & Quality

• Enforce company safety policies and OSHA-compliant work practices
• Conduct routine safety inspections and hazard assessments
• Ensure proper PPE use and safe equipment operation
• Inspect completed work for quality, accuracy, and compliance
• Coordinate corrective actions to minimize rework and production delays

Materials & Inventory

• Ensure materials, tools, and equipment are available for daily operations
• Coordinate material receiving, storage, and distribution
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate material needs
• Support inventory counts and material audits
• Help reduce waste and improve material utilization

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of construction, fabrication, manufacturing, or production experience
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong understanding of shop floor operations and production processes
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, specifications, and work instructions
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and team leadership abilities
• Experience managing schedules, priorities, and deadlines
• Commitment to workplace safety and quality standards

Preferred

• Experience as a Shop Lead, Shop Supervisor, Foreman, Construction Foreman, Fabrication Lead, or Production Lead
• Experience supervising construction or fabrication crews
• Knowledge of specialty construction or custom fabrication environments
• OSHA certification or other safety-related credentials
• Forklift certification or experience operating industrial equipment

Professional Alternatives is a leading staffing firm specializing in all levels of corporate administrative and professional support, as well as executive placement. Starting in 1998, the Professional Search Group has a successful track record of providing local and national staffing-related support to a multitude of industries. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with each client and candidate, and our hands-on approach allows us to make the best long-term match for both.

Company Description

Professional Alternatives is a leading staffing firm specializing in all levels of corporate administrative and professional support, as well as executive placement. Starting in 1998, the Professional Search Group has a successful track record of providing local and national staffing-related support to a multitude of industries. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with each client and candidate, and our hands-on approach allows us to make the best long-term match for both.